MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. — South Walton Fire District (SWFD) Advanced Life Support (ALS) transported two people to the hospital in critical condition and one in stable condition Saturday afternoon following a multi-victim water rescue in Miramar Beach.
The incident originated at 12:52 p.m. when a 911 caller reported to SWFD Dispatchers that multiple people were struggling in the water near 1115 Scenic Gulf Drive, approximately 0.3 miles from the nearest lifeguard tower.
SWFD Beach Safety units arrived on-scene with Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies at 12:54 p.m. to confirm multiple people in a rip current requiring immediate rescuing. According to bystanders on shore, a teenage male had been struggling in the water and members of his family had entered the water to attempt to rescue him.
Lifeguards and deputies then entered the water and found two adult men were unresponsive and required resuscitation. The teenage male was in stable condition but required further medical attention. Deputies and lifeguards then worked to bring all patients to shore and began rendering lifesaving care to the two unresponsive patients.
SWFD ALS then arrived on-scene at 12:55 p.m. and initiated ALS interventions for each patient before transporting the individuals to the hospital.
Lifesaving measures were in progress upon arrival at the hospital for both adult males. SWFD ALS crews reported a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in one of the two patients, which indicates the patient had regained a pulse. The third patient was in stable condition upon arrival at the hospital.
SWFD is unable to provide a further update on the patients at the time of this release.
When the incident occurred, single red flags were flying, which indicate high surf hazards and dangerous rip currents are present.
Due to the number of rescues and potential for further life-threatening injuries, beach flags were changed to double red Saturday afternoon. Double red flags signify the water is closed to swimmers and boogie boarders.
Lifeguards demand all beach patrons heed the flag warning system and stay on the dry sand until conditions improve. When the water is open, all beach patrons are encouraged to swim near a lifeguard. For daily beach flag updates, text SAFETY to 31279.
SWFD would like to thank all responding WCSO deputies for their assistance during this call.
